Chapter Fifty-Six
"There is no remedy for love
but to love more."
~Henry David Thoreau
Early the next morning, Ann met Elizabeth at the cafe. She was dressed in her travel clothes, the same ones she'd been wearing when she arrived in Coal Valley just a few weeks ago. Elizabeth was seated at the kitchen table, drinking her tea, nibbling one of Abigail's scones, and reading.
"Good morning," Ann greeted Elizabeth.
Elizabeth looked up from her book. "Good morning! Did you sleep well?"
Ann helped herself to a cup of tea. "You know, I did. I think I've finally gotten used to that noisy saloon and now I'm leaving," she said with a chuckle as she sat down across from Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiled. "Would you care for a scone?" She pushed the basket of scones across the table.
Ann reached for one. "Yes, please! I'm going to miss Abigail's scones," she said as she took a bite.
Elizabeth nodded and they continued to enjoy their breakfast in silence. After several minutes, Ann set her tea cup down and looked at Elizabeth. "Elizabeth," she said, gaining the younger woman's attention. She took a slow breath before continuing. "I want to apologize again for my impatience and censure early in my visit."
Elizabeth shook her head and protested, "No, there's no need..."
"Yes, yes, there is need," Ann interrupted. "Elizabeth, I misjudged you before but I have come to realize that you are an exceptional young woman. You are a wonderful teacher. Though we may not agree on teaching methods or philosophies, it is clear that you are doing a very good job teaching all the children here."
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied, smiling warmly. "Thank you for all you've done during your visit. You were so kind to teach for me when I was ill. And I am so glad you want to share some of Jack's favorite food with me. I'm really looking forward to getting those recipes from you!"
Ann smiled and nodded before she took another bite of scone.
The kitchen door opened, drawing both women's attention. Abigail walked in carrying a basket. "Oh, Ann! Good to see up so bright and early!" she called.
"Morning, Abigail!" Ann replied. "How are you this morning?"
"I'm well," Abigail answered as she unpacked her basket.
"Looks like you've been to the mercantile already this morning," Ann observed.
"Well, I exhausted much of my supplies with all of the weekend events and last night's dinner," Abigail explained as she put away the groceries.
"Again, last night was very nice. Thank you!" Ann shared. "Thank you, both!" she amended, glancing at Elizabeth.
The kitchen door opened again and all three women glanced toward it. Jack entered and was a bit stunned to have all three of them staring at him. "Everything all right, ladies?' he asked.
"Yes, Jack," Ann responded. "I was just thanking Abigail and Elizabeth for all their kindnesses during my visit."
Jack nodded and moved towards his mother. "Are you sure you won't stay a little longer?"
Ann placed her hand on Jack's. "Thank you for asking but I have to head home to get things packed up now."
"And you won't let me help you?" Jack asked.
Ann looked up, meeting his gaze. "Jack, I know how the Mounties work. You haven't been at this post very long so it's likely you can't get leave." Jack shook his head but Ann pressed on. "You have things to do here. And I'll be fine." She saw that Jack was still wanting to disagree. "Would you please get my bags from my room at the saloon and bring them over here?"
Jack nodded. "Of course, I'll take care of them in a little while. Are you still going to the school?"
Ann nodded but then her faced filled with concern. "Oh! I forgot about your ribs! Why don't you ask Mr. Trevoy or one of his young barkeeps to bring them down here," she ordered.
"Ma," Jack began, "I'm fine! I can carry your bags myself." He saw Ann's mouth open and knew she was about to protest. He quickly added, "I'll get your bags," he repeated.
Ann looked at Jack, her expression skeptical. "Are you sure?"
Jack nodded. "Yes," he answered emphatically.
"We better get going or we'll be late for school," Elizabeth interjected as she rose from the table. She went into the living room to gather her school basket. When she turned around, Jack was right behind her. She let out a startled gasp.
He reached out and grasped her arms. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to sneak up on you!"
"No, it's okay," she told him.
"Well, it looks like we won't be having our usual walk to school this morning," he observed.
Elizabeth nodded. "I know," she agreed, her voice a bit sad. "But there's always tomorrow," she added.
A wide grin filled Jack's face. "Something to look forward to!"
Elizabeth returned his smile and then reached for his hand. "I know it'll be hard to see your mother leave on that stagecoach today. I hope you'll come by the school afterwards."
Jack looked at her, amazed at her kindness, as always. "Thank you. If the stagecoach leaves before lunch, I'll see you then. If it's late, then I'll see you after school." He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Have a good day, Elizabeth," he told her before he walked away.
A short while later, Ann was standing at the front of the classroom with Elizabeth, bidding the children farewell. "I wish all of you very well in your new school and your school careers," she told them. "I very much enjoyed being your teacher, if only for a few days."
Elizabeth, standing behind Ann, motioned to the students to come forward. All of the stood and made their way to Ann, bringing her farewell cards they'd made. Elizabeth watched as Ann received the cards, noticing that tears filled Ann's eyes. Elizabeth was so happy that her students had been able to touch Ann's heart.
As the last student returned to her seat, Ann regained her composure and said to them, "My goodness! Thank you all so very much! I shall always remember you all!" She clutched the cards to her before turning to Elizabeth. "I should probably head back to Abigail's."
Elizabeth smiled and nodded. "Yes, the stagecoach will be arriving in a little while," she agreed.
Ann turned to face Elizabeth. "Could we say our farewells outside?" she asked.
Surprise flashed in Elizabeth's eyes. "Oh! Well, of course. Yes. Let me just..." She turned to the class and announced. "Children, I want you to open your readers to chapter 7 and read to yourself." She glanced out to the class and saw the students pulling out their readers and starting to read. She looked to Ann and smiled. Ann nodded and headed to the door, with Elizabeth following.
Once they were out on the porch, Ann turned to Elizabeth. "As I told you last night, Elizabeth, I am so glad that I got to meet you and that we have been able to get acquainted."
Elizabeth smiled. "I'm glad I've gotten to know you, too!" she concurred.
Ann nodded and continued, "I know that you care for Jack and I am very grateful for that. I trust that I will see you again soon. Until then, I wish you blessings." She reached over and lightly squeezed Elizabeth's elbow. "Take care, Elizabeth." She started down the stairs.
Elizabeth was a bit overwhelmed by Ann's warm goodbye. "Um... have a safe trip!" she called.
Ann looked back and smiled before she headed down the road toward Abigail's Cafe. Elizabeth watched her for several moments, marveling that Coal Valley had once again worked its magic. Ann Thornton had changed since she'd first arrived in town. Elizabeth glanced heavenward and whispered, "Thank you!" Then, she remembered that her students were waiting for her. She turned and headed back inside to continue her lessons.
Later, Ann and Abigail sat at a table in the cafe finishing their tea and scones. Abigail took a sip of tea and set her cup down but was startled by the sound of Ann dropping her teacup onto the saucer.
"Sorry!" Ann quickly apologized as she righted the teacup.
"Is it a bad day?" Abigail asked.
Ann gave Abigail a look of sharp consternation, but then her expression softened. "Yes, it is," she answered, rubbing her hands. "Some days are better than others. This, unfortunately, is not one of those."
"I hate that," Abigail offered, empathetically. "I hope that it won't cause you too much discomfort on your trip home. The ride alone can be pretty rough!"
"I'm sure it'll be fine," Ann assured herself as much as Abigail. Her expression became quite serious before she said, "I want to thank you for all you have done for my son. I trust that you will continue to take an interest in him. And that you'll keep giving him advice."
"Advice?" Abigail asked, a bit surprised.
"Yes," Ann responded. "Jack told me that you have given him some excellent advice. I just hope you will continue to do so. Then, I'll know that he is in good hands."
Abigail looked at Ann and smiled.
"Good," Ann pronounced. She took another bite of scone and smiled back at Abigail.
The cafe door opened and Jack walked in. "Hello, ladies," he greeted them as he walked over and kissed Ann on the cheek.
"Stagecoach here, yet?" Ann asked.
Jack shook his head. "Not yet." He pulled a chair over to their table and joined them.
"Would you care for some tea or coffee, Jack?" Abigail offered.
He was about to answer when the unmistakeable sound of the stagecoach rattled through the cafe. The three of them all looked down, sadness filling their faces. After a few moments, Ann broke the silence, "Well, I guess it's time to go." She stood.
Jack stood, as well. His mouth was a straight line and his brow was furrowed with sadness.
Ann moved around the table to Abigail. Abigail rose and they hugged. As they moved apart, Ann said, "I will miss you, Abigail. I thank you so very much for your kindness." She glanced over at Jack. "Thank you for everything," she added.
Abigail smiled warmly. "I'll miss you, too, Ann. I hope you will visit us again, soon."
Ann, again, looked back at Jack before giving Abigail a mild smile. "So do I," she agreed.
Abigail gave Ann a look of confusion before an understanding smile filled her face. Ann turned to Jack. "Well, don't just stand there, Jack. Please get my bags and let's get to the stagecoach."
Jack, pulled from his melancholy reverie, quickly replied, "Yes, ma'am." He looked to the back of the cafe, where his mother's two bags had been stored, and rushed to retrieve them. His face registered a wince as his ribs caused him some discomfort, but he pressed through and carefully hoisted Ann's bags. He followed Ann out of the cafe and down the stairs. The stagecoach was parked near the saloon. Jack rushed ahead of his mother to speak with the stagecoach driver, who had just descended from his perch. "My mother's riding with you back to Calgary today."
The driver nodded and took the bags from Jack. As the driver placed the bags on the back of the stagecoach, Jack turned to his mother. "I'm going to miss you, Ma!"
"I'm going to miss you, too! So much!" she concurred.
Jack noted the tears in her eyes. "Ma, are you sure about all this? Are you sure you won't stay?"
Ann firmly shook her head. "No," she answered. "I need to get on with things. The Good Lord says there's a time for everything. It's time for me to pack and head to my sister's house."
Jack gave her a pained look.
"Don't worry, Jack," she comforted him, taking his hands in hers. "I've come to realize that this is actually a blessing."
Jack's expression changed to surprise. "A blessing?"
Ann nodded. "Yes," she replied. "I get to go back home and spend time with my sister and the rest of my family back East. It's been so long since I've spent much time with them. So, this blasted arthritis is actually bringing me a blessing."
Jack smiled. "Well, I'm glad that you feel that way. I just wish I could help you more."
Ann shook her head emphatically. "No, Jack. You needn't feel that way. It was unfair of me to think that I had any right to ask you to abandon your life to take care of me. I was being selfish. You have hopes and dreams and I want you to continue to pursue those."
Jack gave her a skeptical look.
"I mean it!" she said firmly. "You need to live your life. But, you better write me to let me know what you're doing."
Jack nodded. "Or course!"
"Now, give me a hug!" she ordered with a smile.
Jack embraced his mother. She kissed his cheek before they parted. He helped Ann onto the stagecoach and shut the door. She leaned through the door. "When I get home, I'm going to find your grandmother's ring and send it to you," she said matter-of-factly.
Jack's eyes widened and his mouth fell open in surprise. "What?"
"Something tells me you might be needing it," she told him.
"Ma..." he began, shocked.
"Jack, don't try to protest," she mildly chastised him. "I'm your mother and I certainly can tell when my son is in love."
Color immediately filled Jack's cheeks as he fumbled for words.
The stagecoach bounced as the driver climbed back to his seat. "I'll send the ring and then it's yours to do with as you see fit," she told him. "And don't forget that you promised me letters. Lots of letters!"
Jack smiled. "Yes, ma'am," he agreed.
The stagecoach lurched foward as the driver snapped the reins. "Bye, Jack!" Ann called out the window.
"Bye, Ma," Jack called back. "Love you!"
Ann leaned out the stagecoach window and answered, "Love you, son!"
Ann's head disappeared back through the window as Jack watched the stagecoach until it rounded the curve out of Coal Valley. He inhaled deeply and turned around, surveying the town. His thoughts flew to Elizabeth as he considered his mother's comments about his grandmother's ring. He looked at his watch and realized it was lunchtime at the school. He headed down Main Street, a spring in his step and a wide smile on his face, as he headed toward the Coal Valley School.
THE END
Author's Notes: Hope you've enjoyed this story! I'm glad to achieve my goal of finishing it before the season 2 premiere, though just barely! However, I am sad to see the story come to an end. I've discovered I really enjoy writing and am so grateful to "When Calls the Heart" for leading me to writing. I noticed that some of you may not be Hearties, yet! If you like my story, I urge you to check out the series, When Calls the Heart, on which it is based. Season One is available for download on iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. Or DVDs can be purchased from Walmart, Fishflix, Christianbook, and other retailers. Check it out! Season Two starts tonight (April 25th) on Hallmark Channel! Hope you'll be watching tonight and every Saturday night through June 13th! Thanks so much again for all your reviews and encouragement! God bless you all!
Disclaimer: Elizabeth Thatcher, Jack Thornton, Abigail Stanton, Cat Montgomery, Bill Avery, and the other good citizens of Coal Valley do not belong to me. The Hallmark Channel/Crown Media, Believe Pictures, and Motion Picture Corporation of America own these characters. I'm just playing with them for a while and promise to return them relatively unscathed! There will be a couple of new characters that are creations of my twisted imagination. Many thanks to Janette Oke, Michael Landon, Jr., Brian Bird, Brad Krevoy, and the entire cast and crew of When Calls the Heart, and, of course, all of the Hearties! Y'all rock!